Ohio Canal Bike Trail- Summit County

The Ohio Canal was originally created in the early 1800's to transport goods, and materials North from Lake Erie all the way South across the state of Ohio to the Ohio River. It was completely hand dug, with the aid of farm animals. It was fed with water from the Cuyahoga, and Tuscarawus Rivers, (which run beside it much of it's length).

   Many Canal Boats traversed the canal, being pulled by mule or oxen, using ropes to pull the heavy boats down the canal from the adjacent towpath.  The boats had to go through many different locks, as the surrounding terrain changed.

   The Canal became obsolete in the late 1800's, early 1900's as steam powered railways took over.   

   Today, most all of the locks are gone, except for their concrete moorings, but most of the canal still has water, and the towpath has been turned into a bike/hike trail that is most enjoyable to ride or walk.

The terrain is mostly very level, so it is an easy path for even beginning bikers and hikers to navigate.

This bridge, near Manchester Rd is where the path starts. (Nesmith Lake is on the other side of the bridge.) This section extends down to past the southern borders of Barberton. There is another section, that is not yet connected, that starts not far from there in Clinton, goes through Canal Fulton, and Massilon.

The path is lined with crushed limestone, and is easy to navigate.

This was also the site of the Indian Portage, where they carried their canoes to travel from lake to river. The placard tells of Chief Hopocan, who fought in this area, and signed many of the early treaties.

Plant life, frogs and turtles can be seen along the canal. The water no longer flows as it once did, because the locks are not used to control the water flow any longer.

This was a very enjoyable bike ride. The path is shaded nearly the entire length, which makes it pleasant to ride even on fairly hot days. If you would like to explore this path, it is about a 6-7 mile stretch, with parking on Manchester Rd. near Nesmith lake. Take the family out for a bike ride. Even the little ones will be able to keep up on this level path.